About COVID 19

19 NOV 2023

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing any medical assistance.

Some people can still get very sick even if they are fit and healthy. Older people with pre-existing conditions and people with compromised immunity are at a higher risk of experiencing severe illness.

We can all stay well by choosing to stay ahead of COVID-19. Choose to stay safe by wearing a mask in indoor settings, getting together in well-ventilated spaces and staying up to date with vaccinations.

COVID-19 Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms vary from mild to severe – speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Symptoms may appear any time between 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. The symptoms to look for are:

  • runny nose

  • sore throat

  • cough

  • shortness of breath

  • fever, chills and/or sweats.

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of smell and taste, loss of appetite.

If you have any of the symptoms listed, however mild, you should seek advice and take a COVID-19 test immediately.

If you test positive for COVID-19, see Checklist for COVID cases for a step-by-step guide to support you through to recovery.

Dial Triple Nine (999) if you are having trouble breathing or have chest pain.

COVID-19 transmission

The World Health Organisation suggests that COVID-19 can be transmitted by contact with respiratory droplets or airborne aerosols from an infected person.

Droplet transmission

A person can be infected with COVID-19 by touching respiratory droplets like saliva, mucus or tears from an infected person. These are spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, talking, or singing.

These droplets can enter your mouth, nose or eyes and cause infection. This can happen by:

  • having close face-to-face contact

  • being within 1.5 metres of someone with COVID-19

  • touching a contaminated surface before touching your face.

Airborne transmission

Airborne aerosols are tiny particles that float in the air.

An infected person can produce aerosols from:

  • coughing

  • sneezing

  • talking

  • singing

  • breathing

This means that COVID-19 can be spread through these tiny infectious particles suspended in the air.

Sometimes, the virus can remain in the air for some time in settings such as in indoor spaces with poor ventilation.

Treatment for COVD-19

Most people can recover from COVID-19 at home.

Antiviral medicines are available for eligible Victorians who have COVID-19 to prevent them from getting so sick that they need hospital care. To see if you may be eligible and for more information, visit COVID-19 antiviral medicines.

Early diagnosis, testing and general supportive care are important.